Abstract: A patient alignment system for a radiation therapy system. The alignment system includes multiple external measurement devices which obtain position measurements of components of the radiation therapy system which are movable and/or are subject to flex or other positional variations. The alignment system employs the external measurements to provide corrective positioning feedback to more precisely register the patient and align them with a radiation beam. The alignment system can be provided as an integral part of a radiation therapy system or can be added as an upgrade to existing radiation therapy systems.

Abstract: A cone-beam scanning system scans along a half circle. The reconstruction uses a weighting function which decreases for rows farther from the scan plane to take the redundancy of the projection data into account. Another embodiment uses a circle plus sparse helical scan geometry. Image data can be taken in real time.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes a specifying unit, a setting unit, a controller, and a reconstruction unit. The specifying unit refers to exposure dose information to specify a high exposure area in an imaging area in a subject. The setting unit sets a scan condition under which a cross section of the imaging area can be imaged and under which X-rays are not directly applied to the high exposure area or another scan condition under which a cross section of the imaging area can be imaged and under which an X-ray radiation dose directly applied to the high exposure area is reduced relative to an area other than the high exposure area. The controller collects data of X-rays applied from an X-ray tube and detected by an X-ray detector under the set scan condition. The reconstruction unit reconstructs a tomographic image using the collected data of X-rays.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging an object comprising: an imaging device configured to image the object while the object is supported on a support, the support comprising a base for positioning on a surface, wherein the object and the support are stationary relative to the surface, and further wherein the imaging device is adapted to move relative to the surface, and hence relative to the object and to the support, during imaging; the imaging device comprising a housing having a bottom notch sized to accommodate the base of the support, whereby to allow the base of the support to extend into the housing during imaging.

Abstract: System, apparatus and methods specialized for breast and related tissue radiation therapy and imaging of a prone patient but also usable for supine patient if desired or needed. A special treatment radiation source such as a LINAC unit generates radiation of types and energy ranges specifically matched to breast tissue. Any one or more of several imaging technologies may be used to localize the tissue to be irradiated and to generate information for therapy planning, adjustment, and verification.

Abstract: A system for multi-mode breast x-say imaging which comprises a compression arm assembly for compressing and immobilizing a breast for x-ray imaging, an x-ray tube assembly, and a x-ray image receptor is provided. The system is configured for a plurality of imaging protocols and modes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coordinate measuring apparatus for measuring an object, having an x-ray sensory mechanism as a first sensory mechanism that is provided with an x-ray source and at least one x-ray sensor which detects the x-rays, and a second sensory mechanism such as a tactile and/or an optical sensory mechanism that can be placed in the x, y, and/or z direction of the coordinate measuring apparatus in relation to the object. In order to be able to easily measure also large-size test objects, the x-ray sensory mechanism can be positioned in the coordinate measuring apparatus according to the second sensory mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-view X-ray inspection system. In one embodiment, a beam steering mechanism directs the electron beam from an X-ray source to multiple production targets which generate X-rays for scanning which are subsequently detected by a plurality of detectors to produce multiple image slices (views). The system is adapted for use in CT systems. In one embodiment of a CT system, an electron beam generated by a single radiation source is steered by an electron beam transport mechanism comprising at least two dipoles and a quadrupole on to a target arranged in an approximated arc. The inspection system, in any configuration, can be deployed inside a vehicle for use as a mobile detection system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for positioning a body region of interest of a patient in the isocentre of the imaging system of a computer tomograph or C-arm device. The method involves using the computer tomograph or C-arm device to record a topogram of the patient, determining a distance between the body region of interest and the isocentre from the topogram, and shifting a patient positioning device or the imaging system by this distance in order to move the body part into the isocentre. In the proposed method, the topogram is recorded in sections from various directions that are perpendicular to one another. The method enables the body region of interest to be positioned without the use of any external aids.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic X-ray inspection apparatus for a SMT inline process, comprising: a stage unit for supporting an object to be inspected such that the object is attachable/detachable, the stage unit being movable on an X-axis and Y-axis in a plane and rotatable; an X-ray vacuum tube arranged beneath the stage unit so as to irradiate the object arranged on the stage unit with X-rays; and a detector arranged above the stage unit so as to swivel toward one side in order to detect X-rays transmitted through the object. The X-ray vacuum tube swivels in synchronization with the swiveling of the detector, and an X-ray emission surface of the X-ray vacuum tube is arranged so as to be parallel to the stage unit. The stage unit has a hollow shaft, and a hollow bearing that supports the hollow shaft such that the hollow shaft is rotatable.

Abstract: There is provided an X-ray CT apparatus that allows easy and correct confirmation of which position a bed can be moved to and which region can be imaged. The X-ray CT apparatus performs imaging for obtaining a scanogram 301 (S101), displays the scanogram 301 (S102), and calculates a transversely movable region 304 (S103). Further, the X-ray CT apparatus inputs size of a bow tie filter 103 (S201), inputs a transverse movement destination of a bed 106 (S105), calculates an imageable region on the basis of the size of the bow tie filter and the transverse movement destination 302 (S202), and displays the imageable region 305 (S203).

Abstract: An imaging system includes a rotatable gantry for receiving an object to be scanned, a generator configured to energize an x-ray source to generate x-rays, a detector positioned to receive the x-rays that pass through the object, and a computer. The computer is programmed to obtain knowledge of a metal within the object, scan the object using system scanning parameters, reconstruct an image of the object using a reconstruction algorithm, and automatically select at least one of the system scanning parameters and the reconstruction algorithm based on the obtained knowledge.

Abstract: An diagnostic imaging apparatus including: a correction table; a top panel height calculation unit configured to calculate a height of the top panel corresponding to the distance between the fulcrum of the top panel and the imaging position, from an image captured by continuous imaging of the subject; an imaging position estimation unit configured to estimate an imaging position of an image captured by a different imaging method from a method for the captured image based on the height of the top panel calculated by the top panel height calculation unit, the distance between the fulcrum of the top panel corresponding to the height and the imaging position, and the correction table; and an image correction unit configured to align the imaging position of the image captured by the different imaging method with the imaging position of the image captured by the continuous imaging.

Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes: a radiation emitter configured to emit radiation toward an object and to move around the object at a same time; a radiation detector configured to detect the radiation emitted from the radiation emitter, to change the detected radiation into a signal, and to store the signal; and an irradiation controller configured to control the radiation emitter so that the radiation is emitted toward the object in a first position around the object and so that no radiation is emitted toward the object in a second position corresponding to the first position.

Abstract: A multi-mode cone beam computed tomography radiotherapy simulator and treatment machine is disclosed. The radiotherapy simulator and treatment machine both include a rotatable gantry on which is positioned a cone-beam radiation source and a flat panel imager. The flat panel imager captures x-ray image data to generate cone-beam CT volumetric images used to generate a therapy patient position setup and a treatment plan.

Abstract: The primary collimator for a radiotherapy apparatus can be made up of several layers, each comprising several apertures, and each layer being moveable so as to select a specific aperture to build up the primary collimator shape. In this way, the shape of the primary collimator can be tailored and/or the beam filters incorporated into the primary collimator assembly. This saves space in the radiation head whilst also allowing filters to be easily interchanged.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a position determination unit determines a top position at a projection data acquisition start time P by a user instruction. A first angle determination unit determines a first rotational angle at the time P by a user instruction. A second angle determination unit determines a second rotational angle at a top movement start time Q and a time interval from the time Q to the time P. A control unit controls a first driving unit to rotate the X-ray tube, controls a second driving unit to make a top start moving in response to arrival of the X-ray tube at the second rotational angle, and controls a DAS to start acquiring projection data in response to arrival of the top at the top position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the systems and methods of this disclosure utilize different positions, or poses, of a target object to collect images that can result in high-resolution volumetric models of the target object. In one embodiment, the object poses define a lateral position and an axial position (also “angular orientation”) of the target object relative to components of an imaging system, e.g., the source of the x-ray beam. The imaging system captures an image of the target object in the object poses. Further processing of the image data that relates to the images generates a volumetric model of the target object at higher resolution, or with fewer artifacts, as compared to similar volumetric models that arise from conventional scanning of these large parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing determination of patient position change relative to an imaging device and/or allowing digital subtraction in an operative position. The system can include devices for determining a position of a patient at various times and comparing the various positions of the patient. Further, a digital subtraction may be performed if the patient change is not above a threshold value and/or if motion correction can occur.

Abstract: A medical X-ray CT photography apparatus body includes a turning arm that supports an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector while the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are opposed to each other with the subject interposed therebetween, a bracket part that fixedly supports an axial center position of a turning shaft provided in the turning arm, and a support drive part that turns the turning arm about the turning shaft with respect to the bracket part. The medical X-ray CT photography apparatus body also includes a subject chair on which the subject sits, a chair moving mechanism that linearly moves the subject chair in a front-back direction (Y-axis direction) of the subject, and a main-body controller that performs the panoramic X-ray photography by controlling the chair moving mechanism and the support drive part in conjunction with each other.

Abstract: A computing system determines a full motion range of a target, wherein the full motion range of the target defines an internal target volume (ITV). The computing system identifies a partial motion range of the target, wherein the partial motion range is a subset of the full motion range of the target. The computing system generates a partial-ITV based on the identified partial motion range, wherein the partial-ITV is a volume swept by the target as the target moves through the partial motion range, the partial-ITV being smaller than the ITV. The computing system generates a treatment plan to deliver treatment to the partial-ITV.

Abstract: An imaging system (300) includes a rotating gantry (302) configured to rotate about an examination region (306) about a z-axis (308), a subject support (322), including a tabletop (324) configured to horizontally translate along the z-axis into and out of the examination region, a communications network (342) shared by the rotating gantry and the subject support, and a master motion controller (344) configured to control both rotational motion of the rotating gantry and translational motion of the tabletop over the communications network.

Abstract: X-ray CT system and method of processing medical images are provided that enable combining of images with reduced effect of the differences in coordinates of the pixels in the overlapped areas of a plurality of constituent images. The X-ray CT system comprises a processor and a synthesizer. Based on coordinates of a first pixel in a first image that the image generator has generated about a first three-dimensional region of the subject and coordinates of a second pixel in a second image generated about a second three-dimensional region of the subject, the processor combines the first pixel with the second pixel on a one-for-one basis within a predetermined range in the rostrocaudal direction. The synthesizer generates a third pixel relative to the first pixel and the second pixel constituting the combination by the processor and to generate a third image that includes the third pixel.

Abstract: An imaging system configured to automatically detect a patient's body profile and to position the patient. The imaging system includes a scan support member configured to support a scan object, a processing device; and an identification device electrically connected to the processing device. The scan support member includes a machine identifiable code representing a distance from a position of the machine identifiable code to one end of the scan support member. The identification device is configured to identify the machine identifiable code, to decode the distance represented by the machine identifiable code and to send the distance represented by the machine identifiable code to the processing device. The processing device determines a distance from an interested location of the scan object to a scanning plane of the imaging system according to the distance represented by the machine identifiable code.

Abstract: An imaging system for achieving automatic detection of a patient's body profile and intelligent positioning of the patient. The imaging system includes at least one transmitter disposed on one side of a bore of the imaging system, and a receiver disposed on the other side of the bore of the imaging system. The at least one transmitter is configured to transmit a beam incapable of effectively penetrating a scan object. The receiver is configured to receive the beam transmitted by the at least one transmitter and to send a received signal to a processing device. The processing device is electrically connected to the receiver, and configured to determine whether the beam transmitted by the at least transmitter is blocked by the scan object according to the received signal so as to determine a position of the scan object.

Abstract: A patient positioning system for radiotherapy, comprising a device for positioning a patient within the framework of treatment planning, using image detection and/or carrying out radiation treatment, comprising a patient bed on which a patient is positioned, wherein means are provided by which the same bed may be arranged both on a planning couch for image detection within the framework of treatment planning as well as on a radiotherapy table, and by providing a reference means on the patient bed by which the position of the immobilized patient or of a marked radiation target is determined with respect to the patient bed. Within this framework, a corresponding method is also provided, as well as an adjusting means for the transport and the bed.

Abstract: An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus includes: an imaging unit supporting an X-ray generation unit and an X-ray detection unit to face each other to take an image of a subject placed on a bed top panel; a control unit to execute a step movement process of at least one of the imaging unit and top panel and take images of the subject at plural stages; and an image processing unit that processes image data taken at the plural stages. The control unit sets plural regions of interest (ROI) in an imaging area of the subject when an image is taken after a contrast medium is injected into the subject, measures a change of an image level in the ROI to detect a flow of the contrast medium, and makes at least one of the imaging unit and top panel move to the next imaging stage based on the detection result.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mammography detector consisting of a mammography detector having multiple sensors, such as a high resolution sensor for detecting very small lesions, a high contrast sensor for detecting the exact size of a lesion, a mammography sensor, and a CT sensor; and to a mammography device capable of acquiring 3D images by rotating an X-ray emitting unit and the mammography detector by more than 185 degrees with respect to a breast to be examined.

Abstract: A system and method include acquisition of a set of image data corresponding to a time period of data acquisition, the set of image data corresponding to a plurality of voxels, wherein each of the plurality of voxels corresponds to a distinct acquisition time within the time period of data acquisition. The system and method further include the modeling of the plurality of voxels as a function of time based on a plurality of kinetic parameters associated therewith and reconstruction of an image from the set of image data based on the modeled plurality of voxels.

Abstract: A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.

Abstract: A method for locating artifacts, such as particles or voids, in a material includes the steps of defining a path through a volume of the material, sensing the presence and type of any artifacts along the path and determining for each sensed artifact, the respective distance along the path. Analysis of the quantity of sensed artifacts and their respective position along the path enables the determination of measures for the artifact density, artifact size and artifact distribution in the material.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed that allow for generation of a model or reconstruction of a model of a subject based upon acquired image data. The image data can be acquired in a substantially mobile system that can be moved relative to a subject to allow for image acquisition from a plurality of orientations relative to the subject. The plurality of orientations can include a first and final orientation and a predetermined path along which an image data collector or detector can move to acquire an appropriate image data set to allow for the model of construction.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to the high temperature mechanical testing of materials. In one aspect, a method includes providing an apparatus. The apparatus may include a chamber. The chamber may comprise a top portion and a bottom portion, with the top portion and the bottom portion each joined to a window material. A first cooled fixture and a second cooled fixture may be mounted to the chamber and configured to hold the sample in the chamber. A plurality of heating lamps may be mounted to the chamber and positioned to heat the sample. The sample may be placed in the first and the second cooled fixtures. The sample may be heated to a specific temperature using the heating lamps. Radiation may be directed though the window material, the radiation thereafter interacting with the sample and exiting the chamber through the window material.

Abstract: A bed and gurney extender for selective attachment to a standard hospital bed or gurney for supporting the head of a patient during scanning, comprising: a support for supporting the head of the patient during scanning, wherein at least a portion of the support is X-ray transparent; and an adapter for selectively attaching the support to the bed or gurney.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus comprises an X-ray generating unit, an X-ray detecting unit, a rotating mechanism configured to rotate the X-ray generating unit and the X-ray detecting unit, a reconstruction processing unit configured to reconstruct first images respectively corresponding to volumes, a shift detecting unit configured to detect shifts of an object image due to warp of the top within a reconstruction coordinate system of the reconstruction processing unit, which shifts respectively correspond to the first images, and a control unit configured to move an origin of the reconstruction coordinate system for each of the volumes based on each of the detected shifts and control the reconstruction processing unit to reconstruct second images, which shifts respectively correspond to the volumes from the output from the X-ray detecting unit on the reconstruction coordinate system whose origin has been moved.

Abstract: An X-ray perfusion-image creating unit creates an X-ray perfusion image indicating blood flow dynamics in a certain organ from an X-ray projection image of a subject given with a contrast agent. An image correction unit extracts thickness information indicating the thickness of a myocardium from a three-dimensional image taken by an X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) apparatus. Moreover, the image correction unit creates a corrected perfusion image in which the thickness of the myocardium in the X-ray perfusion image is corrected, based on the thickness information. A display unit then displays the corrected perfusion image.

Abstract: The invention comprises an X-ray tomography method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. In various embodiments, 3-D images are generated from a series of 2-D X-rays images; the X-ray source and detector are stationary while the patient rotates; the 2-D X-ray images are generated using an X-ray source proximate a charged particle beam in a charged particle cancer therapy system; and the X-ray tomography system uses an electron source having a geometry that enhances an electron source lifetime, where the electron source is used in generation of X-rays. The X-ray tomography system is optionally used in conjunction with systems used to both move and constrain movement of the patient, such as semi-vertical, sitting, or laying positioning systems. The X-ray images are optionally used in control of a charged particle cancer therapy system.

Abstract: A system and method to compensate for respiratory motion in imaging of instruments introduced into the subject anatomy is provided. The system can include an imaging system in communication with a controller. The controller can include a memory with program instructions for execution by the processor to perform the steps of: detecting an illustration of at least a portion of the plurality of instruments introduced into the subject anatomy in a first image and a second image, comparing and calculating a displacement of the plurality of instruments between the first and second images, calculating one of an average or median displacement of the plurality of instruments between the first and second images, and applying one of the average and the median displacement to adjust at least a portion of the first or second images or a pre-acquired three-dimensional model of the internal region of interest.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a support mechanism movably supports the table top. A bed driver generates driving power to be supplied to the support mechanism to move the table top. An imaging mechanism includes a mechanism for acquiring medical image data associated with a subject placed on the table top. An ascending switch receives an ascending instruction for the table top. A descending switch receives a descending instruction for the table top. A storage unit stores the height of the table top at the time of the issuance of an ascending instruction as a target return position. When a descending instruction is issued, a bed controller controls the bed driver to descend the table top to the target return position stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical x-ray imaging apparatus including a support structure (1) which supports a substantially ring-shaped structure, an O-arm (2) supporting imaging means (21, 22), to which O-arm (2) is arranged an examination opening (4). The ring-shaped structure (2) supporting the imaging means is arranged movable with respect to said support construction (1) at least in vertical direction. A patient stool (30) is arranged to be positioned in connection with the apparatus, as well as positioning means (32, 33, 34) in connection with said examination opening (4) for positioning the patient stool (30) in the examination opening (4).

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are described herein for handling an examination surface for radiology or other operations. That is, an examination surface support structure can be integrally coupled with a support component of a radiology apparatus so that an examination surface and an object optionally placed thereon are supported during an operation. An examination surface transport component can be docked with an examination surface docking component that is operably coupled with the examination surface support structure so that the examination surface can be exchanged between the transport component and the radiology apparatus. An examination surface transit component that is operably coupled with the examination surface support structure can engage the examination surface in order to move the examination surface into and out of an operation region of the apparatus, such as during a scanning or dosage operation.

Abstract: A scanner device for computed tomography imaging of an object, includes a measurement device including a source device arranged for irradiating the object with at least one beam and a detector device arranged for detecting radiation transmitted through the object, wherein the source device has a fixed position relative the detector device, and a carrier device accommodating the object in a position between the source device and the detector device, wherein the measurement device and the carrier device are capable of a scanning movement relative to each other, and the measurement device and the carrier device have a fixed spatial orientation during the scanning movement. Furthermore, a scanning method for computed tomography imaging of an object is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical radiography, in which individual images of an object are taken at different projection angles and a 3D image subsequently synthesized from this image information. The object to be imaged is arranged locked in an object positioning means and during the imaging process, the x-ray source is continuously moved with respect to location of the object. During the continuous movement of the x-ray source there are irradiation periods and non-irradiation periods and during an irradiation period, the object positioning means is moved as synchronized with the movement of the x-ray source so as to follow the movement of the x-ray source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical computed tomography imaging apparatus for imaging extremities, which apparatus includes a support construction (1) which is arranged to support a substantially ring-shaped structure supporting imaging means (2), which imaging means include a source of radiation (21) and a receiver of image information (22), which imaging means are arranged within said substantially ring-shaped structure supporting the imaging means (2) substantially to the opposite sides of each other and to be moved inside said ring-shaped structure supporting the imaging means (2). The apparatus according to the invention is arranged with at least one padding element (15) to at least one such point whereto the patient can when positioning oneself to be imaged, in connection with the actual patient positioning and/or during the actual imaging, depending on the imaging mode in question touch, lean on, kneel, sit on or step on.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube to generate X-rays, X-ray detector to detect the X-rays transmitted through an object, top to place the object, rotation driving unit to rotate a rotating frame with the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector around the object, movement driving unit to relatively reciprocate the rotating frame and the top over a plurality of times along a long-axis direction of the top, and scan control unit to control the movement driving unit in the relative reciprocal movement such that moving loci of the X-ray tube corresponding to the respective forward movements are matched with each other and moving loci of the X-ray tube corresponding to the respective backward movements are matched with each other.

Abstract: A system for radiotherapy that includes a couch upon which a patient being treated by the system is positioned, the couch having continuous arc rotation for delivery accelerated irradiation to the patient.

Abstract: A radiation therapy system including a radiation therapy apparatus for generating a therapeutic treatment beam, with which an object is irradiated, an imaging apparatus for generating a medical image of the object, and a positioning apparatus, with which the object is positioned in the radiation therapy system for irradiation and imaging purposes, is provided. The imaging apparatus and the radiation therapy apparatus are both rotatably mounted so that the object is positioned in a first rotation state in the imaging apparatus and is positioned in the radiation therapy apparatus in a second rotation state.

Abstract: A teletherapy treatment arrangement constituted of: a control unit; a 3 dimensional imager having an effective patient plane; at least one 2 dimensional imager arranged to provide a pair of 2 dimensional images along planes generally orthogonal to the effective patient plane of the 3 dimensional imager; and a patient positioner arranged to secure a target tissue in a fixed relationship to the patient positioner, the control unit arranged to: input a planned treatment position of the patient target tissue; in the event that the planned treatment position is consonant with the effective patient plane of the 3 dimensional imager, obtain position information of the target tissue from the 3 dimensional imager, and in the event that the planned treatment position is not consonant with the effective patient plane of the 3 dimensional imager, obtain position information of the target tissue from the at least one 2 dimensional imager.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for providing device sizing support, the method comprising obtaining an X-ray image of a vessel, introducing a guide wire having a radiopaque wire tip into the vessel, obtaining an X-ray image of the wire tip, segmenting the wire tip when it passes through the vessel, and providing sizing information relating to the size of the vessel based on the size of the wire tip. The imaging system according to the invention includes means providing functionality for performing the method according to the invention.